Cardinal Parolin Reaffirms Church’s Teaching on Marriage

Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said it is “essential” that Italian legislation not equate civil unions with marriage.

According to Vatican Radio, the Vatican said this in regard to a highly controversial bill which would give legal recognition to same-sex civil unions, as well as granting the members of such unions limited rights to adopt children.

The Vatican diplomat’s remarks followed the annual reception with Italian government officials to mark the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, which was held at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See.

The Lateran Pact was the 1929 treaty between Italy and the Holy See which settled the longstanding disputes arising over the nineteenth century Italian takeover of the Papal States, and also established the Vatican City State.

This week, in the Italian Senate, there is debate on the proposed legislation, which is often called simply, the Cirinnà bill, after the politician who proposed it.

“The [Cirinnà] bill came up,” the Vatican official said, “but did not enter into our discussions. I think everyone’s position is clear, although it is not clear what will be happening in the coming days.”

Also, speaking Wednesday, he reiterated to Vatican Radio, on the sidelines of the presentation of Misericordae Vultus at the Vatican Library, that civil unions cannot be equated with marriage.

The cardinal stressed it is “essential” to respect the ruling of the Constitutional Court that any legislation not equate civil unions to marriage.

Regarding the meeting itself, Cardinal Parolin called the meeting “good” and said the parties spoke about other bilateral issues, including the recently concluded agreement on fiscal matters, collaboration during the Jubilee year, and the “great themes” of education and the family.

“It was positive…there is a desire for collaboration, and a willingness to overcome any difficulties which might arise,” he said.

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